10 Ways To Save Money And Still Have Fun

 When it comes to saving money, your first thought might not be ‘fun’ — but saving money doesn’t always have to be hard. Whether you’re saving for a new car or a new house, you may as well take the time to enjoy the process — it could take a while. So, knuckle down, tighten your belts, and get ready to enjoy yourself in the process. Here are 10 ways you can save money, and still have fun. 

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1. Set your goal 

Even if you’re not saving for a specific something, it can be really useful to set yourself a goal. So, that could be becoming more fiscally secure by the end of the year, or saving enough money for a mortgage on your first house. Having a goal makes the whole saving process so much easier. Try picking up a calendar and writing down what you’d like to achieve on that date — this keeps you accountable, and you can track your progress. 

2. Track your spending 

Now you’ve got a goal, it’s time to see where your hard-earned cash is going. You can track your spending on an app, or simply by keeping a note or spreadsheet. You’ll have to be strict with yourself, you’re only cheating yourself out of money if you miss off some of your expenses. Knowledge is certainly power when it comes to your own personal finances. 

3. Budget, budget, budget 

So, you have your goal, and you’re tracking your spending. Next comes budgeting. This word isn’t the most appealing, but it does not have to mean the end of tun. By working out your monthly outgoings, and the amount you would like to save each month, you can set your budget. Organize how much money you will allow for things like food, transport, and fitness. When you have all the essentials out of the way, put aside a pot for things that make you happy. That could be the occasional cinema trip, money to buy a new outfit, or simply to go for dinner with your friends. 

4. Plan in advance 

Cutting down your spending while enjoying yourself means planning, so while you may have to say goodbye to a certain amount of spontaneity, you can still have a good time. There will be times when you’ve got to put down more money than usual one month — be it car insurance or line rental — so be conscious of when they are and plan accordingly, so you’re not naught out. If you’ve got a holiday coming up, make sure you know exactly how much money you’ll need to save to make it work with your plan to save money. 

5. Cut down on those little extras 

That daily latte won’t be the difference between buying your first property or not, but you’ll be amazed at how much money you can save. So, keep an eye on the little things. Try switching to packed lunches rather than cafe lunches, and consider walking some or all of your way to work to cut down on transportation costs, or get a better phone deal. It may seem counter-intuitive, but buying in bulk (and spending a little more money upfront) can save you loads in the future. Try going to a wholesale retailer or membership club, and pick up bulk items to save you money in the long run. 

6. Embrace technology 

Every year, more technology is released that can save time and energy. And that includes personal finance software. It can help you to figure out your finances, and make the path to saving money that little bit easier. So, choose from an app, or a website like Pigly.Com, and relax in the knowledge that you understand your money.  

7. Put savings away carefully 

So, you’ve gone to all the effort, know where are you putting your money? Find the best savings account you can that will let you accrue interest if possible. This can be easier said than done, so ask friends and family what they do with their savings. Additionally, doing your own research (online and in the bank) can help you make your decision. 

8. Enjoy the great outdoors

A walk in the park or along the coast is free, beautiful, and very good for you. Embrace the great outdoors in your plan to save, and you’ll be richer in many ways. Connecting to earth is a great way to spend your time, and you’ll really notice a difference in your physical and mental health. Plus, going for a walk with friends is a great way to socialize, and it doesn’t cost anything.

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9. Sign up for loyalty cards 

Picking up loyalty cards for your favorite shops means that you can build up points when you do shop. Often, there will be other perks like vouchers or early access to sales — all of which can save you money. You could also consider choosing a credit card from a retailer; they often have perks that will mean you’re rewarded for spending your money with them. Not bad, huh? 

10. Get hosting 

Hosting friends and family at your own home is a great way to save money while you’re saving money. You can control the costs, by planning out if you’ll be providing food, and relying on the kindness of guests to bring bottles of wines (which aren’t always budget-friendly!). So, if you’re planning to meet some girlfriends at the weekend, why don’t you invite them over for a movie night at yours? Get some popcorn, find a movie on Netflix, and enjoy yourselves for next to nothing. 

Hopefully, this list has given you some inspiration on how to save money whilst enjoying yourself at the same time. It’s all about setting a goal and keeping a positive mental attitude along the way. 

Six Ways To Achieve The Big Things You Want In Life

 Every single person is brought up with the fact that they need to have a plan in life. It’s a stressful thing to put on a child, but when you go through school and then to education beyond that everyone always asks you whether you want big things in life. They ask if you want a future and what you want to do with that future. You also get told that you have to make choices by a certain age, so when you hit 25 and you haven't bought a house or got married or traveled the world, you feel like an instant failure.

Here’s the thing: there is no set time to do anything in life. There are no rules written to say that you have to have all of your goals met by 30, and there is no right way to do things. Of course, you have goals - and those are likely to be big goals - and achieving them can absolutely happen. However, they happen in your own time. There is no need to panic about the way that your life is panning out. In fact, you should feel proud of getting this far (well done you!). You want to achieve the goals that you have written out for yourself, and the good news is that you can do it. You will find victory in your achievements if you work hard for it; no matter what that goal may be. 

So, with this in mind, let’s look at six ways you can achieve the biggest things that you want in your life.

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Know You Can Do It

If you have big goals, such as achieving a degree or building a great career the first thing that you need to let go of is self-doubt. You are able to achieve anything you want to in life, but you need to be clear about what you want and how you can create a pathway to get what you want. If you want to buy a house, you CAN buy one if you organize your finances with MortgageCalculator.Org and you learn the best pathway to get it. A house is a big deal, but there is nothing that means that it’s off-limits for you. If you have something in mind, put it in your future and reach for it with both hands. It’s in your behavior and the way that you think will help you to achieve the things that you want. You have to know that you can do it and have some self-confidence!

Prepare To Fall Down

Sometimes, the reason people fail is because they believe that getting what they want will be easy - and they then realize that it’s not easy at all! Nothing in life is easy but that doesn't mean that it’s not achievable. You do not have to compromise on the things that you want in life, but you do need to realize and prepare yourself for boulders in the road. You will be on what you think is a straight path and then a rock from the sky falls and blocks your way. It doesn't mean that you're a failure - it just means that you are going to have to work out how to accept the fall. And then you get back up. Pain teaches you everything, but if you stay on the floor, that’s where failure in hitting your goals occurs. The key is not staying down on the floor and waiting for life to consume you. It’s to get back up and keep trying and pushing back to achieve the things that you really want. 

Be Your Own Inspiration

You may look up to people in your life to find inspiration, but where better to look for inspiration than in the mirror? You are the person you want to be, and while you may not have all of the big things that you want right now, it doesn't mean that you won’t have them. Build your own confidence and build your own inspiration by looking at yourself and wanting the things that you want. If you want to achieve a specific career, make your own dreams come true, and figure out how to get that career under your belt. You can inspire yourself simply by believing in the way that you do things and the way that you feel about yourself. Your strength and determination are going to propel you forward, and this can make you feel fantastic. Setting an example for yourself is a huge deal!

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Don’t Dream: Plan

Those things that you want in life are currently dreams. You daydream about the house, the career, the family, the travel you want, and if you believe that these are things you can have it’s time to plant them. How do you want to go about getting that career you dream of? Do you have a map with pins of all the places that you want to visit? You can have all of these ideas, but you need a plan to make them come to life. You need to keep your mind focused on your goals and know that you are making changes and moves to ensure that your dreams become reality.

Do Something Different

All of your dreams may be the same as many other people with big goals in life. So, choose to add something different in there, too. Perhaps you want to break a world record in something, or you want to climb a mountain one day. No matter what you do, you should choose to go against the grain and do something different in your life, too.

Stay Flexible

You can achieve anything you want in life, but it’s not always going to be easy. Be ever-changing and flexible, expect change, and expect things to be different from what you imagined. The more you anticipate change, the more you will adapt to it when it happens. You have to always plan to get what you want and be flexible in how you achieve it.

Butterfly Box Review #yourbutterflybox #butterflybox #faithsubscriptionbox #christiansubscriptionbox

Disclosure:  I received a Butterfly Box at no charge to facilitate my honest review.  All opinions stated are honest and my own.  

During times like these, all of us can use a pick me up.  I know that I am not the only one who has been stressed and needing some time to myself.  I have always found that when I take some me time and connect with God, things become more bearable and problems that once seemed huge now looked manageable.  

I was recently offered the opportunity to review the Butterfly Box.  The box I received had a journal, a bracelet, a book, and 2 tea drops.  I was very pleased.  I love writing in a journal and this one is absolutely beautiful.  The information below my photo will tell you about the boxes.

DESCRIPTION:

Life is busy, and it can be hard to find the time each day to connect with Christ. Butterfly Box is here to help! We thoughtfully curate a themed box each month to help reclaim those quiet moments with God, build your intimacy with Christ, and live out your faith in the world around you! 

Each month's box is designed to illustrate a biblical theme and encourage spiritual growth.

5 to 6 items such as jewelry, artwork, books, decor, personal pampering items, faith sharing cards and other specialty items

All items are carefully chosen and undergo a rigorous selection process

Products are faith-based or support small Christian businesses.

As you can see from the images, the boxes are wonderful and are filled with inspiring items.  I did not have prior experiences with subscription boxes, but this is one that I would love to be receiving every month.  You can learn more about the Butterfly Box by checking them out by clicking HERE.  If you want to start a subscription, you can use the following code to save some money. Code:  WELCOME10

They also are holding a giveaway right now where you can enter to win a 6-month subscription. Simply click on the image below to enter.

 

Stay Healthy and Happy This Winter

 

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Winter is always a tough time for general health and wellbeing. A lot of people end up getting more colds and viruses than they do at other times of the year, and many individuals suffer mental health issues relating to the drop in sunlight. This winter, we also have the coronavirus pandemic to deal with, which means that it’s even more important that we all do whatever we can to stay happy and healthy as the nights grow longer and the weather takes a colder turn.

With that in mind, here are a few simple things you can do to boost your health this coming winter:

Practice social distancing

It may not be ideal, but practicing social distancing as far as is practically possible will be really important this winter. It will help to slow the spread of coronavirus and other illnesses such as winter colds and flu for the whole population, and it will also lower your own personal risk of getting sick too.

Wear a mask

Face masks are here to stay and that is no bad thing in the wintertime. Again, they will help to slow the spread of a whole host of bugs and viruses that could make you feel very unwell. Wear one whenever you’re likely to come into close contact with other people and help to protect us all.

Wash your hands

Washing your hands regularly is another simple measure you can take to cut down your chances of getting colds, flu, or coronavirus this winter. As well as washing after using the bathroom and before meals, try to wah each time you come into contact with other people, touch objects outside of your home or...well you know the drill.

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Take a vitamin D supplement

If you live in a part of the world that doesn’t see much sunlight in the heart of winter, it’s a really good idea to supplement your vitamin D intake with a high-quality vitamin pill. Vitamin D deficiency is a really big issue in winter and it can cause a range of health conditions including Seasonal Affective Disorder which can be terrible for mental health, fatigue, muscle pain, and even an increased risk of brittle or broken bones, which isn’t ideal in winter when conditions can get icy and slips and trips are more likely to occur.

Boost your fruit and vegetable intake

Eating more fruit and vegetables is important for your health at all times of the year, but particularly so in wintertime when having a decent immune system is even more important for fighting off those winter bugs. Ideally, you should aim to eat between 7 and 9 portions of fruit and vegetable each day, maximizing the number of different nutrients you take in. leafy greens and red or purple fruits and veg are particularly rich in immune-boosting vitamins and minerals, but anything is better than nothing, so it’s fine to have your favorites as long as you are eating a variety.

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Get out and walk

Walking may not seem like the ideal winter pastime, but it’s a great way to get a little exercise, plenty of fresh air, and hopefully, a little sun which will help with boosting vitamin D levels, maintaining good physical health, and boosting your mental health too, In fact, walking has been shown to be one of the best things you can do for your mental health, especially if you walk in nature. It calms your nervous system, reduces anxieties, and helps you to feel more positive about life in general. A daily walk really is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.

Reach out to others

With the coronavirus pandemic still affecting us all and the cold weather that winter brings, it could be tempting to lock yourself indoors and hide away from the world, but that isn’t going to do your mental health much good. We all need social connection to feel happy, healthy, and content, so this winter, make time for other people, even if you are only able to video call them. Make covid-safe plans to see friends and family over the holidays, join in regular Zoom chats and online quizzes, talk to your counselor, or do whatever you need to do to have some meaningful connection with other human beings.

Get vaccinated

Getting the flu vaccination, if you are able to do so, is probably a good idea this winter, even if you haven’t bothered before. Getting sick right now really isn’t ideal (not that it ever is) due to the coronavirus pandemic and the extra strain that hospitals and healthcare professionals are under. The flu shot is cheap, effective, and will mean that you have one less thing to worry about healthwise.

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Eat more omega-3

Eating foods that contain omega-3, such as oily fish, nuts, and seeds, or taking an omega-3 supplement is a good idea if you’re prone to seasonal depression in the wintertime. Not only will it boost your brain health and improve your mood, but it’s also great at tackling inflammation, which could be good if the cold tends to affect your joints, making them stiffer and more painful than usual.

Be careful when you’re out and about

If the place where you live tends to see a lot of extreme weather in the winter, it’s really important that you take whatever safety measures you can when you’re out and about. Whether that means having a winter inspection for your car or ensuring that you wear the best footwear to avoid slipping in the ice, make sure you are as safe as you can be. Accidents are more likely to happen when the poor winter weather and darker nights are a factor5 and right now, the last thing you need is a broken bone and a stay in hospital.

You should make looking after your health a priority this winter due to everything that’s going on in the world, and because you deserve to have the best possible holiday season you can manage in 2020. Stay safe out there.

4 Quick Tips to Make Moving Less Stressful

 Research has shown that most people think moving is more stressful than going through a divorce. And yet, most people end up moving several times throughout their lives. It’s simply a part of life whether you’re relocating for a job, need a bigger place, or you want to be closer to family. 

We’ve talked before about some of the struggles with moving, like making a move with kids. But, what can you do to make the experience better for everyone, and have to deal with less stress through the entire process? 

Let’s look at a few tips that can make moving more manageable and less stressful for the whole family. 

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1. Don’t Rush

One of the biggest mistakes people make when moving is not giving themselves enough time. Moving isn’t a decision to take lightly, so make sure you plan it out in advance as much as possible. 

When you don’t feel rushed to pack boxes, sell your current home, go house hunting, or move your vehicle across the country, you’re less likely to become overwhelmed by stress. Go at your own pace, and you’ll end up feeling much happier. 

2. Start Small

If you don’t want to feel overwhelmed by your endless “to-do” list when it comes to moving, start with the smallest things first. Looking at a big project like packing a whole room or filling up a moving van can contribute to your stress levels. 

Instead, break down the things you need to do into smaller, manageable goals. You’ll feel less overwhelmed, more motivated, and before long you will be able to move on to those larger tasks easily. 

3. Ask For Help

Whether you work with professional movers or you get your friends and family to help you, moving isn’t something you should do on your own. It is a long, hard process. You might be surprised at how happy and willing the people in your life are to help you out! So, it isn’t the time to be tough and stubborn when you’re moving. Don’t be afraid to ask for help to make the process go faster. 

4. Take Care of Yourself

When you’re moving, you might not be focusing on your overall health and wellbeing. But, self-care is incredibly important during a move to avoid feeling burnt out and stressed. 

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night, eating well during the day, and finding time to do things you enjoy even when you’re knee-deep in the moving process. By actively taking care of yourself, you’ll have more energy to get things done, you’ll feel less fatigued, and you will be able to stay focused on your to-do list without feeling bogged down by it. 

Moving might always be a somewhat stressful experience. But, it doesn’t have to completely overwhelm you. Keep these tips in mind, whether you’re moving on your own or with your family, and you’ll be able to enjoy a much more relaxed, positive experience as you start on the next chapter of your life.

4 Ways to Make Yourself Happy Every Day

 

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We all want to be happy, but this is easier said than done, mostly because everybody has different definitions of happiness. For some, it’s all about making money and living comfortably, whereas others might prefer the type of joy that experiences bring. Of course, these ideas are not easy to get immediately, and if you want to ensure you feel happy every day, you need to think smaller. 

Do Something Nice For You

A lot of people spend time trying to do things for others as a way to make them happy. While this is an admirable trait, you can’t focus solely on other people to find your happiness. You need to look at yourself, too. 

So how can you be nice to yourself? You can consider little things, like treating yourself to your favorite coffee in the morning rather than going for a simple Americano or Latte. Besides this, think about small wins that improve your mood, such as watching your favorite TV show or finishing the book you’ve been stuck on for months. 

Pick Your Battles 

Everyone will need to deal with negative people at some point in their lives, which can have a detrimental effect on our happiness. While you can’t make other people friendly to you, it is still possible to pick your battles so that any confrontation does not ruin your day. 

You can usually tell when someone will be demanding from the beginning, so if you recognize these traits in a customer or even a friend, try to be the bigger person so you will refuse to allow it to get to you. 

Help Someone Else 

Helping other people will immediately improve your mood. It’s a fantastic feeling when you assist someone, whether it’s holding the door open for them or helping them pack their groceries into the trunk. However, you might not get the chance to do this every day. 

A career where you’re responsible for helping others is a superb option to experience that rush daily. You can consider jobs in the medical field, such as occupational therapy, that you can find out more about to see if it’s right for you. Other occupations include teaching or conservation work, but you can also volunteer if you’re happy with your current job. 

Put Health First 

Living a busy life means you often forget about your health. You feel too busy to go to the gym, head outside for a run or walk, or even eat a healthy meal. However, the more you focus on your health, the happier you will be. 

By doing so, you’ll have more energy, and your positivity will shine through. Putting health first also means you won’t worry about potential health issues, which will reduce stress and anxiety so you can live your life with fewer worries. 

Happy Times

Everyone finds happiness in different ways, but with these tips, you should achieve the fundamentals of happiness. From here, you’ll be able to look at other, more long-term things that make you happy, and you’ll always find something that brings a smile to your face.

These Tips will Help you to Create your Own Relaxing Space

If you want to make sure that you have the most relaxing space in your home, then you have come to the right place. This guide will help you to make sure that you are making the most out of your space and that you are also able to unwind effectively after a long day.

Define your Space

Your meditation area should ultimately be a place that is off-limits and quiet to everybody else. When you are in your calming space, your spouse, your kids, and your friends should all know better than to come to you. Your space also needs to be void from any distractions and it also needs to be away from any high-traffic areas. If you know that you don’t have something like a spare bedroom available, then try and look for another space that you can convert. This could be an attic, a patio, or even a corner in the basement. Your space should be personal, and when you have your space, you can then focus on making it the best that it can be.

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Zero Distractions

Your space should be free from any phones. You should also make sure that there are no smartphones, tablets, or anything else either. At the end of the day, this is a time for you to ponder, reflect, and even journal if you want. You don’t need any distractions when you are trying to recharge, as this is your zen space only. If you find that doing something helps you to relax then there is nothing wrong with this at all. Get some puzzle books or even try your hand at sudoku. Click to learn more about that.

Lighting

Your meditation space should really be a place where you can ultimately feel comfortable. If you know that you enjoy having natural light in your space, then try and choose a place where there is a window as this will help you to have the best experience. If you know that you much prefer dimly lit areas then try and find somewhere you can achieve this setting. Adding candles or other forms of light can also add atmosphere, so keep that in mind.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy can be a fantastic way for you to try and promote relaxation. Essential oils really are all the rage these days, so look into ones such as lavender, peppermint, orange, and more. These are all very soothing and calming. It will also bring your zen zone to life.

Add some Music

There’s something special about music. Music gives your happy hormones a boost and it is also ideal if you want to try and drown out some background noise while you meditate. Instrumental music or even white noise apps are all ideal here as it will help you to revitalize your soul. You don’t need an app to play music if you don’t want, as you can easily go onto YouTube and look up sounds such as thunder, birds chirping, or anything else of the sort.